REPORT: Cheetahs Denied Championship Pairs Glory

The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs were denied first place in last night’s Championship Pairs, conceding defeat to the Redcar Bears.

The winner takes all final saw the Cheetahs pair of Sam Masters and Scott Nicholls against Charles Wright and Danny King of Redcar. The Bears made the best of the start and were leading when Scott Nicholls came underneath Charles Wright on the old pits turn. Whilst clearly ahead, Charles Wright ran into Nicholls back wheel, with both taking a nasty looking, awkward tumble.

Despite watching the replays, which clearly showed Nicholls had made a clean pass, the referee decided to exclude the Cheetahs captain, handing the win to the Bears.

Nicholls partner Sam Masters was confused about how the decision had been made. Speaking just after the race he said
“I think it was the wrong call personally, but that’s Speedway.
“They say the guy in front has right of way and he hit the back of Scotty so by saying that Charles should have been excluded, rules are rules”

Team Manager Pete Schroeck was similarly perplexed
“A throttle goes two ways, Scott was in front and Charles caught his back wheel. Scott feels a little hard done by and I have to agree I am afraid
“I think the wrong decision was made on that one.”

Most importantly,  both riders were able to walk away from the incident which could have been so much worse.

Glasgow Tigers topped the qualification rounds with twenty-six points, Oxford were second with twenty four. Poole and Redcar also progressed to the semi-finals.

There had been some terrific action through the night, and after eighteen heats of speedway the track was a slickening off which seemed to suit the Redcar pair who easily dispatched the Tigers in semi-final one.

Oxford were against Poole in semi-final two, and followed up their excellent away win on Wednesday by sailing through to the final.

The large crowd were expectant of a thrilling finale to the night, which was not to be however, the event had been an excellent advert for the sport.

Spires Polish star Maciej Janwoski will take his place in the British Grand Prix tonight, being held at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.